Interface Team Services for Individual Patient Care
Through the Interface Team Services program, patients and their family members meet one-on-one with physicians specialized in breast cancer care for up to one hour, where they receive:
- Support and medical information at time of diagnosis;
- Assistance in decision making regarding treatment options;
- Assistance in case coordination with the oncology team and other health care providers;
- Help in managing concerns resulting from surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy and hormonal therapy (e.g., fatigue, chemo-induced menopause, lymphedema, breast reconstruction options);
- Counselling for fertility, sexuality and body image;Coaching in recovery strategies, nutrition and life style management;
- Access to one hour appointments with psychosocial professionals for counselling regarding, for example: fear of recurrence, anxiety, depression and challenges in relationships;
- Access to a patient resource library of books, CDs, DVDs and videos; and Linkages to community resources.
Breast Cancer Recovery Group Program BCSCF also facilitates a group recovery program consisting of three hour sessions for 12 weeks with a maximum of ten participants. Each course is co-facilitated by one physician and one psychologist with specialized knowledge relating to breast cancer.
The curriculum, uniquely developed by the BCSC team, addresses topics such as:
- Exploring Recovery;
- Understanding Treatment Side Effects;
- Fatigue;
- Body Image and Sexuality;
- Loss and Grief;
- Fear of Recurrence Anxiety and Depression;
- Relationships;
- Spiritual Wellness;
- Developing Psychological Strategies for Enhancing Wellness
Healthy Living after Breast Cancer Program
The Healthy Living After Breast Cancer Program provides a structured and individualized wellness program for breast cancer patients who have completed active treatment. Patients complete a wellness self-assessment questionnaire to gather data in their lifestyle/wellness practices as well as five dimensions of their health: physical; emotional; mental; relational and spiritual. Patients then meet one-on-one with a nurse who has specialized knowledge in the field of breast cancer support and care to review their results. Together, they develop a comprehensive wellness plan that addresses nutrition, exercise and monitoring risk reduction strategies.
Special Projects and Research
In addition to the three core programs, special projects and research will be undertaken based on the strategic priorities of the BCSCF, community need, feedback from patients, and the availability of funding. The Foundation submits proposals to fund special projects directly related to the mission and vision of the Foundation. Currently , with funding from the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation, a Facilitator’s Guide, Participant’s Workbook and PowerPoint presentation are being developed for each week of the Group Recovery Program. This project will integrate the core curriculum of this program with two other highly credible resources:
- Picking up the Pieces: Moving Forward after Surviving Cancer by Sherri Magee
- Bridging Self-Care With Health Care by Carol Malec, et al.
Integrating and documenting the shared wisdom and expertise of these three resources in a published suite of resources will mean individuals and groups can offer this program to breast cancer survivors in other parts of the province and the country.
